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S'pore government has robust processes for dealing with and avoiding conflicts of interest: DPM Teo

THE Singapore government has robust processes for dealing with and avoiding conflicts of interest, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean told Parliament on Monday.

Mr Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, explained that the Ministerial Committee was formed to examine the historical and heritage significance of 38 Oxley Road, home to the late Lee Kuan Yew, one of Singapore's founding leaders, and central to the public dispute between Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his siblings.

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"These are all matters which the Government has to take responsibility for, and must plan for. This is just the normal process of Government doing its work, properly, calmly and objectively,'' Mr Teo said.

On Monday, parliamentary whip of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) - which holds 83 out of 89 seats - was lifted, allowing ministers, including Members of Parliament from the opposition, to grill PM Lee freely instead of along party lines.

Mr Teo said he hoped that the end of the session, Singaporeans should have their confidence in the honesty of the government and public officers strengthened.

"We make decisions and act in the public interest of Singaporeans. We do not bend to the private demands of individuals, no matter who they are, or what family connections they can claim. This is the foundation upon which Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his team built our Singapore for all of us. Mr Lee would have expected no less from us."